Dr. Craig is the Chief Medical and Underwriting Director of San Antonio-based PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance. With over 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Dr. Craig is passionate about pets and how to keep them healthy and happy for a lifetime.

Fido or Friends? The Age Old Question Gets An Answer

In a recent survey respondents were asked "If you were trapped on a deserted island who would want with you?" A significant percentage chose their pets over spouses, friends, celebrities etc.

These results will not come as a surprise to pet owners. What better companion to have along than one who is always happy to see you, makes no demands other than attention, won't judge you, and accepts you without conditions.

As Creighton Welch points out in his "Clocking In" blog, this is why even during these uncertain economic times, pet owners are expected to spend $51.6 billion this year, an increase of 1.3 percent from 2008, according to IBISWorld. Veterinary services alone are estimated to reach the $20 billion range.

Advances in veterinary care have paralleled discoveries in the human health field. New diagnostic and treatment capabilities available in veterinary medicine mirror those used in human medicine. Procedures like MRI, cancer treatment, stem cell therapy, open-heart surgery, kidney transplants, hip replacement and allergy testing are just a few.

Many of the same drugs and materials used in human medicine are used in veterinary medicine at the same costs. In many instances, these costs exceed the financial ability of pet owners.

The unconditional love shared between humans and their pets, makes us pause when faced with tough choices regarding their healthcare. Often we must weigh the cost of treatment against other obligations in our lives. It is never an easy choice, especially when we know a treatment could prolong their life or make them more comfortable.

Next week I will discuss some of these procedures and how pet owners can prepare for the potential costs involved.